We can as optimistic as possible, we should be so in order to construct our age in better perspective, but we cannot conceal the clouds and shadows which menace our planet.  “What shall we eat, what shall we drink, what shall we put on?,” is one ghost which roams the world that is more menacing than that foretold by Marx.

It is the harassing thought of many who leave in the morning without knowing if a piece of bread would be found to calm their hunger or that of their children.  It is the preoccupation of many thoughtful men, experts, politicians, technicians, economists who study to foresee and forestall the needs of the future immediate and long term.

And we are here repeating the words of Jesus “…do not worry saying, what shall we eat or what we shall drink… clothed?”

BEHOLD…!

“Behold the birds of the air…  “Jesus continues” …and your heavenly Father feeds them…  Consider how the lilies of the field grow…  If God so clothes the grass of the field … how much more you, you of little faith” (Gosp).

Behold? … The “birds” we have nearly exterminated them, many species of animals risk extinction.  We are destroying the “lilies of the field” with herbicides and pesticides.  We live in a world that has overturned or covered the footprints of God.  Even if we behold, what can we see?

PEOPLE OF LITTLE FAITH

This is the deep root of our anxiety and preoccupation of our incapacity to see: We have lost our faith or reduced it to a small light, we have removed it from the heart, fought it and expelled it from life.  We have become “people of little faith”, not only because we no longer have in God that trust which moves mountains, make miracles possible but because we no longer believe.  We have become again pagans: What shall we eat? …drink?…put on?… For after all these things do the heathens seek”(Gosp).  And we are not preoccupied by pagans:

By not serving God but “mammon” (Gosp): putting at the top our own values and not the true God but a paper god.  Individually we run after gain, riches, power which permit us to satisfy also the other greeds (political, sexual etc…).  When possible to realize this it becomes necessary to trample on others, organize a small “camorra” (in the office, in the church etc.) or a large national or regional conspiracy.

Serving not life but death: “Is life not more than food and the body not more than clothing?” – says Jesus.  But we are ready to crush life in order to have what we crave for.  In order not to have any inconvenience or renounce a slice of our comfort, what does it matter to commit abortion?  What does it matter to deny others their rightful dues if it enhances one’s comfort and ego-satisfaction?  Not to have faith seems of no importance but those who have it believe that there is above us someone to whom we give account including the magnates, multinationals, despots, dictators, oppressors etc.

SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND ITS RIGHTEOUSNESS

“What shall we eat? … drink?  … wear? …”  Jesus does not deny the problem, but leads us to its heart: it is necessary to put at the base of life-individual or collective – God and His justice.

If there is God in the heart of men, they would engage themselves for justice, beginning by eliminating their own egoism, giving and being given generously to others, working so that nobody lacks the necessary.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) insists that there is enough food to feed every human being on our planet.  The alimentary production is faster than demographic growth.  Yet every year we have more mal-nourished people than the preceding year because many do not have access to this food.  There is food but not the will to share it.

God has not abandoned us, He has not forgotten us.  He does not ever forget us (1R).  We should try not to forget Him, His “kingdom” and its righteousness (Gosp).  “May the Lord grant that the course of events in the world unfolds according to His will, in justice and in peace” (Opening Prayer).  But the will of God is that we work for justice and peace.  We, secunda causa (as was said in theology) so that His kingdom is realized.

The movements of voluntary services shows how much help even private initiative can give.  But it is necessary to mobilize the structures of the State for incisive action.  Such mobilization should be facilitated by us.

“WITH SERENE FAITH”

It is difficult to have this, but it is necessary in order not to be paralyzed in pessimism.  The Church prays: “Grant, O Lord, that… your Church is dedicated to your service with severe trust” (Col).  Jesus exhorts us: “Do not worry” (Gosp).  The responsorial psalm suggests: “In God is my soul at rest, in God my hope, my strong refuge”.

Trust in God is not resignation.  It is generation of commitment day after day (Gosp).  In this way we are called to make brilliant the light of hope.  “Each one of us is a minister of Christ and administrator of the mysteries of God.  What is asked of every administrator is for each to be faithful” (2R).

To work so that nobody lacks what to eat, drink, wear but also so that men know again to “enjoy” the birds, admire the beauty of the lilies of the field and in all see the heavenly Father.

God bless you!

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